Amid the mist-shrouded Donghua Mountains of Guangdong, Donghua Zen Temple draws countless devotees and visitors with its profound cultural heritage. Today, let us open its gates and step into the Buddha Remembrance Hall, which carries forward a millennium of Buddhist tradition, to experience its unique grace while discovering the distinctive charm of surrounding sites.
The Buddha Remembrance Hall, one of Donghua Zen Temple’s core structures, was converted from its former Dharma Hall. In the temple, visitors can stamp Buddha images onto paper to connect with the divine. As you make these imprints, you may inscribe personal wishes to place inside the Thousand-Buddha Sutra Cylinders, which are enshrined in the hall. Venerable Master Wanxing teaches: “Remembering the Buddha and creating Buddha images inevitably leads to enlightenment, my mind and the Buddha’s mind are one and the same.”
Closely connected to the Buddha Remembrance Hall are numerous other attractions worth exploring. The Scripture Library houses the so-called “Pandas of Buddhism”—palm-leaf sutras—which are rare and highly valuable texts originating from ancient India over 2,500 years ago. Donghua Zen Temple holds over 2,000 scrolls, surpassing the number held by the Potala Palace. These scrolls were gifted to the temple in recognition of the virtuous deeds of Master Wanxing. Durable, lightweight, and retaining timeless clarity, these texts rank as China’s first-class cultural relics.
The Shanyuan Hall serves as the temple’s reception space, where Venerable Master Wanxing and monastic teachers resolve devotees’ queries on Buddhist practice and life challenges, building good relationships through hospitality to promote the spread of Buddhism and enlightenment.
Blessing China Square, originally named Dragon-Phoenix Blessing & Dream-Fulfilling Square (Longfeng Qifu Yuemeng Square) was built in 2008, symbolizing peace and safety. Its “Jade Dragon and Phoenix Wall” features 12 tons of carved jade fragments, with the dragon measuring 95 meters in length and the phoenix 93 meters. The pieces are engraved with blessings and prayers for merit. During New Year’s Day and National Day celebrations, grand lantern-lighting ceremonies are held here—making it a sacred destination for love and marriage blessings.
The Buddhist pagoda embodies the compassionate essence of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, symbolizing universal benefit. Donghua Zen Temple’s World Peace Pagoda is one of 108 identical structures worldwide. Consecrated in 2015, it enshrines genuine relics of Śākyamuni Buddha. It is said to gather the blessings of multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, and there is a folk belief that it has the power to ward off evil and attract auspicious energy.
The Buddha Remembrance Hall connects multiple scenic spots that embody profound Buddhist culture and beautiful symbolism. Whether you are a tourist interested in Buddhist culture or someone seeking spiritual tranquility, this is undoubtedly an ideal destination for exploration.(translator:Jiang Renfeng)